Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/38—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for producing shock effects
  • A61N1/39—Heart defibrillators
  • A61N1/3925—Monitoring; Protecting
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
  • G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
  • G16H40/63—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/38—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for producing shock effects
  • A61N1/39—Heart defibrillators
  • A61N1/3904—External heart defibrillators [EHD]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/38—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for producing shock effects
  • A61N1/39—Heart defibrillators
  • A61N1/3904—External heart defibrillators [EHD]
  • A61N1/39044—External heart defibrillators [EHD] in combination with cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] therapy
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H10/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
  • G16H10/60—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
  • G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising

Definitions

• This invention generally relates to the field of medical devices such as defibrillators.
• the heart beats to sustain life. In normal operation, it pumps blood through the various parts of the body. More particularly, the various chamber of the heart contract and expand in a periodic and coordinated fashion, which causes the blood to be pumped regularly. More specifically, the right atrium sends deoxygenated blood into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs, where it becomes oxygenated, and from where it returns to the left atrium. The left atrium pumps the oxygenated blood to the left ventricle. The left ventricle, then, expels the blood, forcing it to circulate to the various parts of the body.
• the heart chambers pump because of the heart's electrical control system. More particularly, the sinoatrial (SA) node generates an electrical impulse, which generates further electrical signals. These further signals cause the above-described contractions of the various chambers in the heart, in the correct sequence.
• the electrical pattern created by the sinoatrial (SA) node is called a sinus rhythm.
• the electrical control system of the heart malfunctions, which can cause the heart to beat irregularly, or not at all.
• the cardiac rhythm is then generally called an arrhythmia.
• Arrhythmias may be caused by electrical activity from locations in the heart other than the SA node. Some types of aiThythmia may result in inadequate blood flow, thus reducing the amount of blood pumped to the various parts of the body. Some arrhythmias may even result in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
• SCA Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• the heart fails to pump blood effectively, and, if not treated, death can occur. In fact, it is estimated that SCA results in more than 250,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. Further, a SCA may result from a condition other than an arrhythmia.
• Ventricular One type of arrhythmia associated with SCA is known as Ventricular
• VF Fibrillation
• Ventricular Fibrillation can often be reversed using a life-saving device called a defibrillator.
• a defibrillator if applied properly, can administer an electrical shock to the heart. The shock may terminate the VF, thus giving the heart the opportunity to resume pumping blood. If VF is not terminated, the shock may be repeated, often at escalating energies.
• the survival rate of persons suffering from VF decreases by about 10% for each minute the administration of a defibrillation shock is delayed. After about 10 minutes the rate of survival for SCA victims averages less than 2%.
• an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator can be implanted surgically.
• An ICD can monitor the person's heart, and administer an electrical shock as needed. As such, an ICD reduces the need to have the higher-risk person be monitored constantly by medical personnel.
• VF can occur unpredictably, even to a person who is not considered at risk. As such, VF can be experienced by many people who lack the benefit of ICD therapy. When VF occurs to a person who does not have an ICD, they collapse, because blood flow has stopped. They should receive therapy quickly.
• an external defibrillator For a VF victim without an ICD, a different type of defibrillator can be used, which is called an external defibrillator. External defibrillators have been made portable, so they can be brought to a potential VF victim quickly enough to revive them.
• VF VF
• the person's condition deteriorates, because the blood is not flowing to the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs. Blood flow must be restored, if resuscitation attempts are to be successful.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is one method of forcing blood flow in a person experiencing cardiac arrest.
• CPR is the primary recommended treatment for some patients with some kinds of non-VF cardiac arrest, such as asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).
• CPR is a combination of techniques that include chest compressions to force blood circulation, and rescue breathing to force respiration.
• CPR Properly administered CPR provides oxygenated blood to critical organs of a person in cardiac arrest, thereby minimizing the deterioration that would otherwise occur. As such, CPR can be beneficial for persons experiencing VF, because it slows the deterioration that would otherwise occur while a defibrillator is being retrieved. Indeed, for patients with an extended down-time, survival rates are higher if CPR is administered prior to defibrillation.
• Advanced medical devices can actually coach a rescuer who performs CPR. For example, a medical device can issue instructions, and even prompts, for the rescuer to perform CPR more effectively.
• a transmitting external defibrillator having a housing may transmit resuscitation event data to a receiving external defibrillator.
• a bump sensor of the transmitting external defibrillator may generate motion information of the housing and a bump detector may determine whether the housing has been subjected to a local bump event based on the generated motion information. Responsive to a determination that the local bump event has occurred, a processor of the transmitting external defibrillator may cause communication modules of the external defibrillators to establish a wireless communication link. Once the communication link has been established, the transmitting external defibrillator may wirelessly transmit the resuscitation event data to the receiving external defibrillator over the communication link.
• resuscitation event data may be transferred quickly, easily, and securely from a first external defibrillator to a second external defibrillator.
• Such data transfer may be performed independent of a user needing to physically establish a connection between the devices by plugging wires into either device, for example.
• certain embodiments use only a local bump event to initiate a process that ultimately causes the data transfer to take place.
• a bump event generally refers to a user causing one of the external defibrillators to physically bump the other external defibrillator.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram of a scene where an external defibrillator is used to save the life of a person according to embodiments.
• FIG. 2 is a table listing two main types of the external defibrillator shown in FIG. 1 , and who they might be used by.
• FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing components of an external defibrillator, such as the one shown in FIG. 1 , which is made according to embodiments.
• FIG. 4A is a diagram showing two external defibrillators before being bumped together according to embodiments.
• FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the two external defibrillators of FIG. 4A being bumped together, according to embodiments.
• FIG. 4C is a diagram showing the two external defibrillators of FIG. 4B establishing a communication link, after having been bumped together according to embodiments.
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components of an external defibrillator initiating reception of event data upon being bumped according to embodiments.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating example methods executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart for illustrating example methods executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing components of an external defibrillator initiating transmission of event data upon being bumped according to embodiments.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart for illustrating example methods executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating example methods executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• FIG. 1 1 is a block diagram showing systems for transferring event data that include an external defibrillator and a defibrillator-monitor according to embodiments.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram of a defibrillation scene.
• a person 82 is lying on their back. Person 82 could be a patient in a hospital, or someone found unconscious, and then turned to be on their back. Person 82 is experiencing a condition in their heart 85, which could be Ventricular Fibrillation (VF).
• VF Ventricular Fibrillation
• a portable external defibrillator 100 has been brought close to person 82. At least two defibrillation electrodes 104, 108 are usually provided with external defibrillator 100, and are sometimes called electrodes 104, 108. Electrodes 104, 108 are coupled with external defibrillator 100 via respective electrode leads 105, 109. A rescuer (not shown) has attached electrodes 104, 108 to the skin of person 82.
• Defibrillator 100 is administering, via electrodes 104, 108, a brief, strong electric pulse 111 through the body of person 82.
• Pulse 111 also known as a defibrillation shock, goes also through heart 85, in an attempt to restart it, for saving the life of person 82.
• Defibrillator 100 can be one of different types, each with different sets of features and capabilities.
• the set of capabilities of defibrillator 100 is determined by planning who would use it, and what training they would be likely to have. Examples are now described.
• FIG. 2 is a table listing two main types of external defibrillators, and who they are primarily intended to be used by.
• a first type of defibrillator 100 is generally called a defibrillator-monitor, because it is typically formed as a single unit in combination with a patient monitor.
• a defibrillator-monitor is sometimes called monitor-defibrillator.
• a defibrillator-monitor is intended to be used by persons in the medical professions, such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, etc. Such a defibrillator-monitor is intended to be used in a pre-hospital or hospital scenario.
• the device can be one of different varieties, or even versatile enough to be able to switch among different modes that individually correspond to the varieties.
• One variety is that of an automated defibrillator, which can determine whether a shock is needed and, if so, charge to a predetermined energy level and instruct the user to administer the shock.
• Another variety is that of a manual defibrillator, where the user determines the need and controls administering the shock.
• the device has features additional to what is minimally needed for mere operation as a defibrillator. These features can be for monitoring physiological indicators of a person in an emergency scenario. These physiological indicators are typically monitored as signals. For example, these signals can include a person's full ECG (electrocardiogram) signals, or impedance between two electrodes. Additionally, these signals can be about the person's temperature, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), arterial oxygen saturation / pulse oximetry (Sp02), the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the respiratory gases, which is also known as capnography, and so on. These signals can be further stored and/or transmitted as patient data.
• NIBP non-invasive blood pressure
• Sp02 arterial oxygen saturation / pulse oximetry
• capnography capnography
• a second type of external defibrillator 100 is generally called an AED, which stands for “Automated External Defibrillator”.
• An AED typically makes the shock/no shock determination by itself, automatically. Indeed, it can sense enough
• an AED can either administer the shock automatically, or instruct the user to do so, e.g. by pushing a button.
• an AED typically costs much less than a defibrillator- monitor. As such, it makes sense for a hospital, for example, to deploy AEDs at its various floors, in case the more expensive defibrillator-monitor is more critically being deployed at an Intensive Care Unit, and so on.
• AEDs can also be used by people who are not in the medical profession. More particularly, an AED can be used by many professional first responders, such as policemen, firemen, etc. Even a person with only first-aid training can use one. And AEDs increasingly can supply instructions to whoever is using them.
• AEDs are thus particularly useful, because it is so critical to respond quickly, when a person suffers from VF. Indeed, the people who will first reach the VF sufferer may not be in the medical professions.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram showing components of an external defibrillator 300 made according to embodiments. These components can be, for example, in external defibrillator 100 of FIG. 1. Plus, these components of FIG. 3 can be provided in a housing 301, which is also known as casing 301.
• External defibrillator 300 is intended for use by a user 380, who would be the rescuer.
• Defibrillator 300 typically includes a defibrillation port 310, such as a socket in housing 301.
• Defibrillation port 310 includes nodes 314, 318.
• Defibrillation electrodes 304, 308, which can be similar to electrodes 104, 108, can be plugged in defibrillation port 310, so as to make electrical contact with nodes 314, 318, respectively. It is also possible that electrodes can be connected continuously to defibrillation port 310, etc. Either way, defibrillation port 310 can be used for guiding via electrodes to person 82 an electrical charge that has been stored in defibrillator 300, as will be seen later in this document.
• defibrillator 300 is actually a defibrillator-monitor, as was described with reference to FIG. 2, then it will typically also have an ECG port 319 in housing 301 , for plugging in ECG leads 309.
• ECG leads 309 can help sense an ECG signal, e.g. a 12-lead signal, or from a different number of leads.
• a defibrillator-monitor could have additional ports (not shown), and an other component 325 for the above described additional features, such as patient signals.
• Defibrillator 300 also includes a measurement circuit 320.
• Measurement circuit 320 receives physiological signals from ECG port 319, and also from other ports, if provided. These physiological signals are sensed, and information about them is rendered by circuit 320 as data, or other signals, etc.
• defibrillator 300 If defibrillator 300 is actually an AED, it may lack ECG port 319.
• Measurement circuit 320 can obtain physiological signals through nodes 314, 318 instead, when defibrillation electrodes 304, 308 are attached to person 82. In these cases, a person's ECG signal can be sensed as a voltage difference between electrodes 304, 308. Plus, impedance between electrodes 304, 308 can be sensed for detecting, among other things, whether these electrodes 304, 308 have been inadvertently disconnected from the person.
• Defibrillator 300 also includes a processor 330.
• Processor 330 may be implemented in any number of ways. Such ways include, by way of example and not of limitation, digital and/or analog processors such as microprocessors and digital- signal processors (DSPs); controllers such as microcontrollers; software running in a machine; programmable circuits such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), any combination of one or more of these, and so on.
• DSPs digital- signal processors
• controllers such as microcontrollers
• software running in a machine programmable circuits such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), any combination of one or more of these, and so on.
• FPGAs
• Processor 330 can be considered to have a number of modules.
• One such module can be a detection module 332, which senses outputs of measurement circuit 320.
• Detection module 332 can include a VF detector.
• the person's sensed ECG can be used to determine whether the person is experiencing VF.
• Advice module 334 can be an advice module 334, which arrives at advice based on outputs of detection module 332.
• Advice module 334 can include a Shock Advisory Algorithm, implement decision rules, and so on.
• the advice can be to shock, to not shock, to administer other forms of therapy, and so on. If the advice is to shock, some external defibrillator embodiments merely report that to the user, and prompt them to do it. Other embodiments further execute the advice, by administering the shock. If the advice is to administer CPR, defibrillator 300 may further issue prompts for it, and so on.
• Processor 330 can include additional modules, such as module 336, for other functions.
• module 336 for other functions.
• other component 325 it may be operated in part by processor 330, etc.
• Defibrillator 300 optionally further includes a memory 338, which can work together with processor 330.
• Memory 338 may be implemented in any number of ways. Such ways include, by way of example and not of limitation, nonvolatile memories (NVM), read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), any combination of these, and so on.
• NVM nonvolatile memories
• ROM read-only memories
• RAM random access memories
• Memory 338 if provided, can include programs for processor 330, and so on. The programs can be operational for the inherent needs of processor 330, and can also include protocols and ways that decisions can be made by advice module 334.
• memory 338 can store prompts for user 380, etc.
• memory 338 can store patient data.
• Defibrillator 300 may also include a power source 340.
• power source 340 typically includes a battery.
• a battery is typically implemented as a battery pack, which can be rechargeable or not.
• power source 340 can include AC power override, for where AC power will be available, and so on.
• power source 340 is controlled by processor 330.
• Defibrillator 300 additionally includes an energy storage module 350.
• Module 350 is where some electrical energy is stored, when preparing it for sudden discharge to administer a shock. Module 350 can be charged from power source 340 to the right amount of energy, as controlled by processor 330. In typical implementations, module 350 includes one or more capacitors 352, and so on.
• Defibrillator 300 moreover includes a discharge circuit 355.
• Circuit 355 can be controlled to permit the energy stored in module 350 to be discharged to nodes 314, 318, and thus also to defibrillation electrodes 304, 308.
• Circuit 355 can include one or more switches 357. Those can be made in a number of ways, such as by an Hi- bridge, and so on.
• Defibrillator 300 further includes a user interface 370 for user 380.
• User interface 370 can be made in any number of ways.
• interface 370 may include a screen, to display what is detected and measured, provide visual feedback to the rescuer for their resuscitation attempts, and so on.
• Interface 370 may also include a speaker, to issue voice prompts, etc.
• Interface 370 may additionally include various controls, such as pushbuttons, keyboards, and so on.
• discharge circuit 355 can be controlled by processor 330, or directly by user 380 via user interface 370, and so on.
• Defibrillator 300 can optionally include other components.
• a communication module 390 may be provided for communicating with other machines. Such communication can be performed wirelessly, or via wire, or by infrared communication, and so on. This way, data can be communicated, such as patient data, incident information, therapy attempted, CPR performance, and so on.
• FIG.s 4A-4C illustrate interactions between a first external defibrillator 401 and a second external defibrillator 402, such as the external defibrillator 300 of FIG. 3, according to embodiments.
• FIG. 4 A is a diagram showing the two external defibrillators 401 and 402 before being bumped together according to embodiments.
• the two external defibrillators 401 and 402 may approach each other as indicated by arrows 403.
• a user may move the first external defibrillator 401 toward the second external defibrillator 402.
• the user or another user may move the second external defibrillator 402 toward the first external defibrillator 401.
• FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the two external defibrillators 401 and 402 of FIG. 4 A being bumped together, according to embodiments.
• a user may move the first external defibrillator 401 toward the second external defibrillator 402 until a physical contact between the two devices occurs.
• the user or another user may move the second external defibrillator 402 toward the first external defibrillator 401 until the two devices physically contact each other.
• FIG. 4C is a diagram showing the two external defibrillators 401 and 402 of FIG. 4B establishing a communication link ("comlink") 404, after having been bumped together according to embodiments.
• the comlink 404 is bidirectional, as indicated in the diagram.
• the second external defibrillator 402 may subsequently transmit a data signal to the first external defibrillator 401, as indicated by 405.
• the comlink 404 may be wireless and, consequently, the data signal transmission 405 may also be wireless.
• the data signal may encode event data that the first external defibrillator 401 may decode subsequent to receiving the data signal from the second external defibrillator 402.
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components of a receiving external defibrillator 501 , such as the first external defibrillator 401 of FIG. s 4A-4C, initiating reception of event data upon being bumped according to embodiments.
• the receiving external defibrillator 501 receives resuscitation event data from a transmitting external defibrillator 502 that is distinct from the receiving external defibrillator 501.
• the receiving external defibrillator 501 includes a first housing 51 1 , a first energy storage module 551 in an interior of the first housing 511 for storing a first electrical charge 553, a first defibrillation port (not shown) for guiding via electrodes the first electrical charge 553 to the person, and a first wireless communication module 591.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 502 includes a second housing 512, a second energy storage module 552 in the second housing 512 for storing a second electrical charge 554, a second defibrillation port (not shown) for guiding via electrodes the second electrical charge 554 to a person, and a second wireless communication module 592.
• the receiving external defibrillator 501 includes a bump sensor 545 in the interior of the first housing 511 , for generating motion information of the first housing 1 1, and a bump detector 541 configured to determine whether the first housing 511 of the receiving external defibrillator 501 has been subjected to a local bump event based on the generated motion information.
• a local bump event is determined to have occurred if the motion information is interpreted as a deceleration event with a value larger than a preset threshold.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 502 may optionally include a bump sensor 546 in the interior of the second housing 512, and a bump detector 542.
• the receiving external defibrillator 501 includes a processor 531 configured to, responsive to a determination that a local bump event has occurred, cause the first communication module 592 to establish a wireless communication link 504 with the second communication module 592, the first communication module 591 being further adapted to receive wirelessly a data signal transmitted by the second communication module 592 over the communication link 504, the data signal encoding event data stored in the transmitting external defibrillator 502 about when the second electrical charge 554 was guided to the person.
• the receiving external defibrillator 501 also includes a memory 538 adapted to store the resuscitation event data after being received and decoded from the data signal.
• the receiving external defibrillator 501 may optionally include a user interface 571.
• a confirmation request may be caused to be output via the user interface 571 responsive to the determination that the local bump event has occurred.
• the communication link 504 may be caused to be established responsive to receiving by a user a user confirmation in response to the confirmation request.
• establishing the communication link 504 includes causing the first communication module 591 to transmit a readiness signal, and the data signal is transmitted by the second communication module 592 responsive to receiving the readiness signal.
• the readiness signal may communicate identification information about the receiving external defibrillator 501, for example.
• establishing the communication link 504 includes receiving an availability signal that is generated by the transmitting external defibrillator 502.
• the availability signal may communicate identification information about the transmitting external defibrillator 502, for example.
• establishing the communication link 504 includes establishing a bump confirmation that the local bump event also involved the transmitting external defibrillator 502, and the data signal is received only if the local bump confirmation is established.
• establishing the communication link 504 further includes causing the first communication module 591 to transmit a readiness signal.
• the readiness signal may be output with either a preset time delay after a time of the local bump event or a randomized time delay within a preset time after the local bump event.
• the readiness signal may encode a time indication associated with the occurrence of the local bump event.
• establishing the communication link 504 further includes receiving an availability signal that is generated by the transmitting external defibrillator 502, a time of a remote bump event of the transmitting external defibrillator 502 is determined from the availability signal, and the bump confirmation is established by comparing the time of the remote bump event with a time of the local bump event. For the time comparison, the availability signal may be presumed output with a preset time delay after a time of the remote bump event. The availability signal may encode the time indication of the remote bump event.
• the receiving external defibrillator 501 may optionally include a first global positioning system (GPS) unit 593.
• the first GPS unit 593 may be configured to determine first GPS coordinates corresponding to the receiving external defibrillator 501.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 502 has a second GPS unit 594 configured to determine second GPS coordinates corresponding to the transmitting external defibrillator 502.
• the communication link 504 may not be established unless or until the two devices are within a certain distance of each other as determined by comparing the first GPS coordinates and the second GPS coordinates. The determination may take into account a margin of error depending on the type of each GPS unit 593 and 594.
• FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing components of a transmitting external defibrillator 802, such as the second external defibrillator 402 of FIG. s 4A-4C, initiating transmission of event data upon being bumped according to embodiments.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 transmits resuscitation event data to a receiving external defibrillator 801 that is distinct from the transmitting external defibrillator 802.
• the receiving external defibrillator 801 includes a first housing 811, a first energy storage module 851 in the first housing 811 for storing a first electrical charge 853, a first defibrillation port (not shown) for guiding via electrodes the first electrical charge 853 to a person, and a first wireless communication module 891.
• the receiving external defibrillator 801 also includes a first GPS unit 893 configured to determine first GPS coordinates corresponding to the receiving external defibrillator 801.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 includes a second housing 812, a second energy storage module 852 in an interior of the second housing 812 for storing a second electrical charge 854, a second defibrillation port (not shown) for guiding via electrodes the second electrical charge 854 to the person, and a second wireless communication module 892.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 also includes a bump sensor 846 in the interior of the second housing 812, for generating motion information of the second housing 812, and a bump detector 842 configured to determine whether the second housing 812 of the transmitting external defibrillator 802 has been subjected to a local bump event based on the generated motion information.
• a bump sensor 846 in the interior of the second housing 812, for generating motion information of the second housing 812
• a bump detector 842 configured to determine whether the second housing 812 of the transmitting external defibrillator 802 has been subjected to a local bump event based on the generated motion information.
• a local bump event is determined to have occurred if the motion information is interpreted as a deceleration event with a value larger than a preset threshold.
• the receiving external defibrillator 801 may optionally include a bump sensor 848 in the interior of the first housing 811, and a bump detector 841.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 includes a processor 832 configured to, responsive to a determination that a local bump event has occurred, cause the second communication module 892 to establish a wireless communication link 804 with the first communication module 891, the second communication module 892 being further adapted to transmit a data signal that encodes the resuscitation event data over the communication link 804.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 also includes a memory 839 adapted to store event data about when the second electrical charge 854 was guided to the person.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 may optionally include a user interface 872.
• a confirmation request may be caused to be output via the user interface 872 responsive to the determination that the local bump event has occurred.
• the communication link 804 may be caused to be established responsive to receiving by a user a user confirmation in response to the confirmation request.
• establishing the communication link 804 includes causing the second communication module 892 to transmit an availability signal, and the data signal is transmitted by the second communication module 892 responsive to the first communication module 891 receiving the availability signal.
• the availability signal communicates identification information about the transmitting external defibrillator 802.
• establishing the communication link 804 includes receiving a readiness signal that is generated by the receiving external defibrillator 801.
• the readiness signal may communicate identification information about the receiving external defibrillator 801, for example.
• establishing the communication link 804 includes establishing a bump confirmation that the local bump event also involved the receiving external defibrillator 801 , and the data signal is transmitted only if the local bump confirmation is established.
• establishing the communication link 804 further includes causing the second communication module 892 to transmit an availability signal.
• the availability signal may be output with either a preset time delay after a time of the local bump event or a randomized time delay within a preset time after the local bump event.
• the availability signal may encode a time indication associated with the occurrence of the local bump event.
• establishing the communication link 804 further includes receiving a readiness signal that is generated by the receiving external defibrillator 801, a time of a remote bump event of the receiving external defibrillator 801 is determined from the readiness signal, and the bump confirmation is established by comparing the time of the remote bump event with a time of the local bump event. For the time comparison, the readiness signal may be presumed output with a preset time delay after a time of the remote bump event. The readiness signal may encode the time indication of the remote bump event.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 may optionally include a second GPS unit 893.
• the second GPS unit 893 may be configured to determine second GPS coordinates corresponding to the transmitting external defibrillator 802.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 802 has a second GPS unit 894 configured to determine second GPS coordinates corresponding to the transmitting external defibrillator 802.
• the communication link 804 may not be established unless or until the two devices are within a certain distance of each other as determined by comparing the first GPS coordinates and the second GPS coordinates. The determination may take into account a margin of error depending on the type of each GPS unit 893 and 894.
• FIG. 1 1 is a block diagram showing systems for transferring event data that include an external defibrillator 1102 and a defibrillator-monitor 1 101 according to embodiments.
• the external defibrillator 1102 is often an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• AED Automated External Defibrillator
• a user may cause a transfer of data such as resuscitation event data pertaining to a person, for example, between the external defibrillator 1 102 and the defibrillator-monitor 1 101 by bumping the external defibrillator 1 102 into the defibrillator-monitor 1101.
• a data signal encoding resuscitation event data may be transferred from the defibrillator-monitor 1 101 directly to an other external device 1108, or to a remote device 1112, such as in a treatment center, by way of a communication network 1 1 10 such as the Internet.
• the other external device 1108 may also communicate with the remote device 1112 or with other devices not shown by way of the network 1110.
• the functions of this description may be implemented by one or more devices that include logic circuitry.
• the device performs functions and/or methods as are described in this document.
• the logic circuitry may include a processor that may be programmable for a general purpose, or dedicated, such as microcontroller, a microprocessor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.
• DSP Digital Signal Processor
• the device may be a digital computer like device, such as a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer.
• the device may be implemented by an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.
• ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
• a program is generally defined as a group of steps leading to a desired result, due to their nature and their sequence.
• a program is usually advantageously implemented as a program for a computing machine, such as a general-purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, etc.
• Storage media are additionally included in this description. Such media, individually or in combination with others, have stored thereon instructions of a program made according to the invention.
• a storage medium according to the invention is a computer-readable medium, such as a memory, and is read by the computing machine mentioned above.
• some of these methods may include software steps that may be performed by different modules of an overall software architecture. For example, data forwarding in a router may be performed in a data plane, which consults a local routing table. Collection of performance data may also be performed in a data plane. The performance data may be processed in a control plane, which accordingly may update the local routing table, in addition to neighboring ones. A person skilled in the art will discern which step is best performed in which plane.
• the methods may be implemented by machine operations.
• embodiments of programs are made such that they perform methods of the invention that are described in this document. These may be optionally performed in conjunction with one or more human operators performing some, but not all of them.
• the users need not be collocated with each other, but each only with a machine that houses a portion of the program. Alternately, some of these machines may operate automatically, without users and/or independently from each other.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating methods 600 executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• a receiving external defibrillator 601 such as the receiving external defibrillator 501 of FIG. 5, determines whether a local bump event has occurred. Responsive to a determination that the local bump event has occurred, the method 600 proceeds beyond the operation at 604; otherwise, the operation at 604 repeats. Responsive to the determination that the local bump event has occurred, the receiving external defibrillator 601 may optionally record a time of the local bump event, as indicated by 606.
• a transmitting external defibrillator 602 such as the transmitting external defibrillator 502 of FIG. 5, also determines whether the local bump event has occurred, as indicated by 605. Responsive to a determination that the local bump event has occurred, the method 600 proceeds beyond the operation at 605; otherwise, the operation at 605 repeats. Responsive to the transmitting external defibrillator 602 determining that the local bump event has occurred, the transmitting external defibrillator 602 may optionally record a time of the local bump event, as indicated by 607.
• the receiving external defibrillator 601 causes a user confirmation request to be output to a user interface (UI) of the receiving external defibrillator 601.
• UI user interface
• the receiving external defibrillator 601 determines whether the transmitting external defibrillator 602 is within a certain distance. For example, a first GPS unit of the receiving external defibrillator 601 may determine first GPS coordinates corresponding to the receiving external defibrillator 601 and compare them to second GPS coordinates corresponding to the transmitting external defibrillator 602. In certain embodiments, the second GPS coordinates corresponding to the transmitting external defibrillator 602 are determined by a second GPS unit of the transmitting external defibrillator 602.
• the method 600 may return to the operation at 604 and the receiving external defibrillator 601 may send a message or alert to the transmitting external defibrillator 602 or other device; otherwise, the method 600 may proceed to the operation at 612.
• the receiving external defibrillator 601 communicates with a transmitting external defibrillator 602, as indicated by 613, to establish a communication link ("comlink") 617 with the transmitting external defibrillator 602 responsive to the determination that the local bump event has occurred.
• a communication link (“comlink") 617
• the transmitting external defibrillator 602 may determine whether the communication link 617 has been established. If the communication link 617 has not been established, the method 600 returns to the operation at 605. In an operation at 616, the transmitting external defibrillator 602 may cause a data signal to be transmitted from the transmitting external defibrillator 602 over the communication link 617 responsive to a determination that the communication link 617 has been established.
• the receiving external defibrillator 601 receives the data signal from the transmitting external defibrillator 602 over the communication link 617.
• the data signal encodes resuscitation event data stored in the transmitting external defibrillator 602, such as event data about when a stored electrical charge in the transmitting external defibrillator 602 was guided to a person.
• the receiving external defibrillator 601 decodes resuscitation event data from the received data signal and stores the decoded resuscitation event data within the receiving external defibrillator 601.
• the receiving external defibrillator 601 may store the decoded resuscitation event data in a memory of the receiving external defibrillator 601.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart for illustrating methods 700 executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• the methods 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 generally pertain to the establishing of a communication link ("comlink") between a receiving external defibrillator 701, such as the receiving external defibrillator 601 of FIG. 6, and a transmitting external defibrillator 702, such as the transmitting external defibrillator 602 of FIG. 6.
• a communication link such as the receiving external defibrillator 601 of FIG. 6
• a transmitting external defibrillator 702 such as the transmitting external defibrillator 602 of FIG. 6.
• the receiving external defibrillator 701 determines whether a predetermined time delay has passed. Responsive to a determination that the predetermined time delay has passed, the method 700 may proceed beyond the operation at 704; otherwise, the operation at 704 repeats. For example, if a certain amount of time has not passed, the receiving external defibrillator 701
• defibrillator 701 may determine that the receiving external defibrillator 701 is not yet ready to receive data from the transmitting external defibrillator 702.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 702 causes an availability signal to be transmitted to the receiving external defibrillator 701, as indicated by 707.
• the receiving external defibrillator 701 determines whether the availability signal has been received from the transmitting external defibrillator 702.
• the receiving external defibrillator 701 causing a readiness signal to be transmitted to the transmitting external defibrillator 702, as indicated by 711.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 702 determines whether the readiness signal has been received from the receiving external defibrillator 701.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 702 determines whether the readiness signal is valid.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 702 causes an availability signal to be transmitted to the receiving external defibrillator 701, as indicated by 717, responsive to a determination that the readiness signal has been validated.
• the receiving external defibrillator 701 determines whether the availability signal has been received from the transmitting external defibrillator 702.
• the receiving external defibrillator 701 causes a communication link ("comlink") to be established with the transmitting external defibrillator 702, as indicated by 721.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 702 determines whether the communication link has been established. Responsive to a determination that the communication link has been established, the method 700 proceeds beyond the operation at 722; otherwise, the method 700 returns to the operation at 712.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart for illustrating methods 900 executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• a transmitting external defibrillator 902 such as the transmitting external defibrillator 802 of FIG. 8, stores resuscitation event data in a memory of the transmitting external defibrillator 902.
• the resuscitation event data may pertain to the delivery of a stored electric charge in the transmitting external defibrillator 902 to a person, for example.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 902 determines whether a local bump event has occurred. Responsive to a determination that the local bump event has occurred, the method 900 proceeds beyond the operation at 906; otherwise, the operation at 906 repeats. Responsive to the determination that the local bump event has occurred, the transmitting external defibrillator 902 may optionally record a time of the local bump event, as indicated by 908.
• a receiving external defibrillator 901 such as the receiving external defibrillator 801 of FIG. 8, also determines whether the local bump event has occurred, as indicated by 907. Responsive to a determination that the local bump event has occurred, the method 900 proceeds beyond the operation at 907; otherwise, the operation at 907 repeats. Responsive to the receiving external defibrillator 901 determining that the local bump event has occurred, the receiving external defibrillator 901 may optionally record a time of the local bump event, as indicated by 909.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 902 causes a communication link 917 to be established with the receiving external defibrillator 901, as indicated by 915, responsive to determining that the local bump event has occurred.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 902 causes a data signal to be transmitted over the communication link 917 to the receiving external defibrillator 901, the data signal including the resuscitation event data.
• the receiving external defibrillator 901 receives the data signal from the transmitting external defibrillator 902.
• the receiving external defibrillator 901 causes a user confirmation request to be output to a user interface of the receiving external defibrillator 901.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 902 determines whether a user confirmation has been received. Responsive to receiving a user confirmation from a user responsive to the user confirmation request being output to the user interface, the method 900 may proceed; otherwise the method 900 returns to the operation at 906.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 902 determines whether the receiving external defibrillator 901 is within a certain distance. For example, a GPS unit of the transmitting external defibrillator 902 may determine GPS coordinates corresponding to the transmitting external defibrillator 902 and compare them to GPS coordinates corresponding to the receiving external defibrillator 901. In certain embodiments, the GPS coordinates corresponding to the receiving external defibrillator 901 are determined by a GPS unit of the receiving external defibrillator 901.
• the method 900 Responsive to a determination that the receiving external defibrillator 901 is not within the certain distance, e.g., the receiving external defibrillator 901 is beyond a predetermined distance, based on the comparison between the GPS coordinates of the two devices, the method 900 returns to the operation at 906 and the transmitting external defibrillator 902 may send a message or alert to the receiving external defibrillator 901 or other device; otherwise, the method 900 may proceed to the operation at 914.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating methods 1000 executable by external defibrillators according to embodiments.
• the methods 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 generally pertain to the establishing of a communication link ("comlink") between a receiving external defibrillator 1001, such as the receiving external defibrillator 901 of FIG. 9, and a transmitting external defibrillator 1002, such as the transmitting external defibrillator 902 of FIG. 9.
• a communication link such as the receiving external defibrillator 901 of FIG. 9
• a transmitting external defibrillator 1002 such as the transmitting external defibrillator 902 of FIG. 9.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 1002 determines whether a predetermined time delay has passed. Responsive to a determination that the time delay has passed, the method 1000 proceeds beyond the operation at 1004; otherwise, the operation at 1004 repeats.
• the receiving external defibrillator 1001 causes a readiness signal to be transmitted to the transmitting external defibrillator 1002, as indicated by 1007.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 1002 determines whether the readiness signal has been received from the receiving external defibrillator 1001.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 1002 causes an availability signal to be transmitted to the receiving external defibrillator 1001, as indicated by 101 1, responsive to a determination that the readiness signal has been received from the receiving external defibrillator 1001.
• the receiving external defibrillator 1001 determines whether the availability signal has been received from the transmitting external defibrillator 1002. In a subsequent operation at 1014, the receiving external defibrillator 1001 determines whether the availability signal is valid. In an operation at 1016, the receiving external defibrillator 1001 causes a readiness signal to be transmitted to the transmitting external defibrillator 1002, as indicated by 1017, responsive to a determination that the availability signal has been validated.
• the transmitting external defibrillator 1002 determines whether the readiness signal has been received from the receiving external defibrillator 1001. In a subsequent optional operation at 1020, the transmitting external defibrillator 1002 determines whether the readiness signal is valid.

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• 2011
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